Stormy Days

So fall has come on with a vengeance. One day we were experiencing temperatures of 28 - 29C and the next, BAM !!!!, the fall rains and sou'westers begin. We had ONE terrific storm sweep the whole of the west coast here the past 24 hours. Winds were clocked at 169km per hour off the top of Vancouver Island and the rain was torrential. Power went out all over the place. We lost electricity here for almost 24 hours. 

Its interesting explaining to the apprentices what happens here when the power goes out. There is no water, no toilet to flush, no heat, no light, no telephone and NO Internet until the electricity is restored. All these things require electricity to function. Fortunately out here in the rural areas we have our own wells from which to draw water. When you have water you can flush the toilet with a bucket of water, you can have something to drink. You can put on extra clothes to keep warm. There are candles and flashlights and we all have transistor radios so we can listen to CBC radio ! 

We have experienced so many power outages over the years that we did invest in a generator a few years ago. With it we can turn on a few lights and turn on a hot plate or coffee maker. Even the television works with the generator ! This makes Bryne especially happy. Most of us have gas BB Q's and so it is not difficult to cook a meal either. We enjoyed a supper of rice, hamburgers and corn. After supper we boiled water and did a reasonable cleaning of the dishes.

What I am really excited about is that next time we have a storm and power outage we should have the outdoor clay oven operating. We are just waiting for some decent weather to put a roof on the building and then we can uncover the oven and start laying some fires in it. Thanksgiving is in just over a week and we would like to have the oven conditioned by then so we can roast the turkey and squash in it and bake some bread.

Storms are a regular occurrence here on the west coast throughout the winter. They can be very frightening and intense at times. Mostly its the falling trees that present the biggest hazard. I do not like hearing the trees crack and groan as they break in the wind. It always makes me sad. Fortunately most of the trees here are programmed to handle the wind. Its quite a beautiful experience to watch the wind move through the trees and the sounds that emanate from it. You can actually hear the wind building momentum when its gaining strength and the gusts "hit" the house and trees. Its a very "wild" experience that forces your attention.

When I read "HEIDI" as a child I remember most vividly the part of the book that told of the wind in the trees. It was my favorite part. I really do love listening and watching the wind move through the trees and the dance that is orchestrated.

So for me storms are an adventure. They create the chaos needed to excite you into a flurry of activity as you prepare to "hunker down" and wait out the storm.

Holding Patterns of Energy

Oh my goodness. You have no idea how many times since early August I have attempted to find the time to update the blog. There just hasn't been time or energy up until now. I have to confess its mostly been a lack of energy after a long day on the farm.

The farm really comes into full production from August through September. There are two big Farmer's markets to attend and we've had a stand up at the farm most of the season. Getting the produce picked and cleaned and ready for markets is a big job in itself . Today we picked 100 lbs or so JUST of spinach. Now the winter squash are coming on and the last of the major planting of potatoes is being dug. There are up to five apprentices on the farm at any given time who need to be taught and coaxed continually as to what, how, where, when, why any particular crop has to picked and dealt with. Right now we are harvesting radish, carrots, leeks, winter squash, zucchini, patty pans, potatoes, corn, onions, parsley, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, kale, swiss chard, strawberries, apples, cabbage, kohlrabi, basil and flowers. Everything has to be picked, sorted, washed, rinsed, rinsed, rinsed and rinsed. We use a lot of water so we can take very, very clean produce to the markets. Fortunately we have the water. Then everything has to be put into the containers and into the walk-in- cooler. All this is done as quickly as possible so the produce stays fresh and beautiful.
Its really a very exciting time to be on the farm. To see the fruition of all the work that was put into seeding, transplanting, growing, weeding, tending and harvesting. 

The best part is that we get to eat and enjoy so much of what is produced here. I am not sure how to put into words the feelings and sensations that course through my system when I am so actively involved in all aspects of field to table to mouth.
Often when I am out in the field or in the kitchen preparing a meal memories of the day we planted or seeded a particular crop will come back to me. I can feel the energy of that day and how the weather was and who was participating in the work. Energy fields, patterns, frequencies and the memories they hold are something I am very interested in and have studied a lot about over the years. Being conscious of this brings a whole other dimension to the craft of assisting what is essentially a very natural thing to do; GROW. Simply put this awareness infuses itself into every morsel of food we put into our mouths.

I cannot think of a more positive form of growth than to nourish ourselves through good food grown in the most conscious, aware way. Plant foods have the most incredible ability to guide and influence our well-being. Like most things; if plants are treated with care and respect and are nurtured in an environment that allows for their growth and free expression then they will reward us with the same.
The awe I experience daily from the interactions with the living environment inspires me, fuels me, guides me and has been my best teacher for my continuing growth and expansion as a human spirit.
Many, many of you have your gardens and love them. As you prepare your meals and eat I encourage you to allow the "memory" to surface and those energetic vibrations to become conscious within you.
Please, Have a feeling for the organism.